Former Workers’ Party MP Png Eng Huat expresses condolences for Yaw Shin Leong’s passing

SINGAPORE: Png Eng Huat, the former Workers’ Party (WP) MP for Hougang SMC, offered heartfelt condolences on Wednesday (15 Nov) following the passing of his former WP colleague, Yaw Shin Leong.

Mr Yaw, who was also an MP for Hougang in 2011, has passed away as per announcements made on his Facebook and LinkedIn profiles late on Tuesday night.

The obituary, shared on Mr Yaw’s social media platforms, indicated his demise on November 10 at the age of 47.

As reported by Chinese media outlet 8World News, the administrator of the social media account disclosed on Wednesday (15 Nov) that Yaw Shin Leong’s wife shared the obituary.

It was stated that Yaw Shin Leong collapsed during a morning run in Beijing, China, succumbing to sudden cardiac arrest.

Png, who held the Hougang MP position for eight years from 2012 to 2020, conveyed his sympathies to Yaw’s family.

Speaking to “8World News,” he recalled their time together in the Workers’ Party, acknowledging Yaw’s profound commitment to serving the people with genuine dedication.

He expressed hope that Yaw’s family could find solace in the memories of his sincere service despite the tragic loss.

The memorial service for Yaw Shin Leong will be held from the 17th to the 19th, located at Woodlands Memorial, Woodlands Industrial Park E8 in Singapore.

In the memorial announcement, the family also urges everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Short political career

After serving in Hougang for 20 years, Mr Low decided to contest Aljunied GRC in 2011.

Mr Yaw, seen as the successor in Hougang, lived up to expectations and won with 64.8% of the votes against the People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate, Desmond Choo.

Mr Yaw, however, was expelled from the WP in 2012 due to his non-response to party queries regarding allegations concerning an extra-marital affair.

After being expelled from the Workers’ Party, Yaw left the country to avoid attention and has been abroad for several years.

As the Hougang seat remained vacant for an extended period, a resident applied to the High Court for a compulsory order, urging the Prime Minister to hold a by-election within three months or a reasonable timeframe.

The by-election was eventually held on 26 May 2012 where Mr Png won against PAP’s Desmond Choo who was running for the PAP for the second time with 62.08%.

In 2021, using the social media pseudonym “Amos Rao,” Mr Yaw contested remarks made by WP leader Pritam Singh regarding the events surrounding his exit from the party.